Australia Backpackers guide to

Tasmania

Tasmania is a state unique to the rest of the country

As Australia’s smallest state it is also its only island state and thus holds a personality and environment quite different to its siblings north of Bass Strait.

Due to its size it plays into the hands of travellers who despite covering smaller distance from place to place can still find themselves a world away from where they were.

Being separated from the mainland has led to Tasmania developing a different atmosphere and a locality with considerably unique indigenous history.

When you add a cooler climate, Tasmania also produces a range of forests and rivers unmatched by the warmer tropics providing locals with outstanding food, beer and wine.

So why not jump across the strait and check out what the little brother of the Australian states is quietly hiding.

Whilst Tasmania’s best attraction isn’t anything of the manmade doing, Hobart the state’s capital does offer not only a base in which to explore the countryside but with a mix of fine museums and colonial architecture better kept than any other city it provides a relaxing setting gone amiss in the big cities.

The downtown area, especially around Salamanca is a good place to eat out, with nice cafes and bars decked out in renovated sandstone buildings harking back to the cities beginnings.
So despite the small population, Hobart has a vibrant air helped by the luxury of time and space that you have.

Instead of flashy lights and loud sights, enjoy the beautiful Derwent River in this tranquil city.

Great walks on Tamar Island

The Tasmanian Devil

The Stevenson Falls

The amazing Wineglass Bay

You have spent a few days resting and relaxing in Hobart and now it is time to put on your hiking boots and go explore the wilderness that has come to define Tasmania.

Say hello to Cradle Mountain.

This area is a huge attraction for interstate nature lovers and is bound to be one of you favourite spots in your trip to Tasmania.
Existing in the Lake St Clair National Park, Cradle Mountain is home to some of the best walking tracks in the country.

Try the Overland Track for a brilliant taste of the incredible habitat and scenery that has made this national park world renowned.
It extends from the beautiful Lake St Clair (which is an attraction in its own right) all the way to Cradle Mountain.

The views from the top of the mountain are well worth any energy exerted, then some.
Snow falls during the winter months as well, to add an even greater sense of awe to the range.

Another stunning spot of nature is the Freycinet National Park on the east coast of Tasmania.

Take in the incredible views of the Tasman Sea from the heights of the Wineglass Bay Lookout, or get on location with a bay cruise either here or at the beautiful Coles Bay.
If you have a bit of extra energy why not climb up Mt Amos for 360 degree views of the coast?

Or trek through Mount Field and arrive at the Freycinet Marine Farm for a great picnic spot, with fresh onsite seafood produce.

Further north is Tasmania’s second most populated city.
At half the size of Hobart, Launceston could almost pass as a large town, a quiet one at that.

But just fifteen minutes’ walk from the city centre is another slice of amazing Tasmanian wilderness, Cataract Gorge.
Walk along the cliffs edge or across Gorge on a wooden bridge. Dive into the water, or climb up the rock face.

Dine out on the picnic grounds, or at the kiosks and restaurant, before taking a dip in the swimming pool. Cataract Gorge mixed with the flora and the beautiful valley make for a great day out.

Incredible landscape, pure waters and fresh air it distances itself from anything the rest of Australia has to offer

It is cheap and though lacks the adrenalin pumping fun of its big brothers; it delivers peace, beauty and the opportunity to just be a part of nature in spades.

Take a trip across Bass Strait at any time in your Australian journey and you will discover a whole new world and what a world it is.

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